At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, African leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto and Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, are pressing for equitable climate financing, comprehensive adaptation support, and swift implementation of the Paris Agreement’s Article 6. African delegates emphasize the need to enhance climate fund accessibility and address recent climate challenges in the region.
The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan, uniting global leaders, policy experts, and climate advocates to tackle urgent climate issues. African nations are underscoring their call for fair climate financing and the full operationalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, aimed at establishing functional carbon market rules by early next year. Central to Africa’s agenda is the delay in activating the loss and damage fund, particularly concerning after recent East African floods and extreme heat in the Sahel.
Leaders from Africa are contesting a recent decision to situate the fund’s technical assistance body in Geneva instead of Nairobi, contending that the high-cost city could impede access for vulnerable nations. Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale from Kenya is expected to lead discussions opposing this move, focusing on promoting equitable and accessible climate finance. President William Ruto will represent Kenya’s climate priorities, advocating for resilience measures and adaptation, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and additional Kenyan representatives.
With a strong African presence, including over 20 heads of state, such as Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, COP29 is central to Africa’s strategy on climate action. A prominent event is the roundtable on Africa’s “green wealth,” co-hosted by President Ruto and Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso. As COP29 progresses, Africa’s collective efforts to secure resources for climate resilience and sustainable development remain in focus, marking a significant platform for the continent’s climate agenda.